Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis say they struck Saudi Arabia's Abha airport in retaliation for an attack on Sanaa's international airport, which they blame on Saudi Arabia.
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Key facts
- Houthis say they targeted Saudi Arabia's Abha airport.
- The strike was described as retaliation for an attack on Sanaa's international airport.
- The Houthis blame Saudi Arabia for the strike in Yemen's capital.
- The Houthis are backed by Iran, according to the BBC.
Yemen’s Houthis say they have struck Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport, describing the attack as retaliation for a strike on Sanaa’s international airport, according to Al Jazeera.
The group blames Saudi Arabia for the attack on the airport in Yemen’s capital and says it targeted Abha airport in response, the BBC reported.
Al Jazeera reported that the Houthis said they struck Abha airport in retaliation for the strike on Sanaa’s international airport.
The BBC described the Houthis as Iran-backed, and reported that the group had launched missiles at Saudi Arabia following the strikes on the Sanaa airport.
The sources available do not provide details on casualties, the extent of any damage at either airport, or a response from Saudi Arabian authorities regarding the claims.
Why it matters
Reported strikes on airports in both Yemen and Saudi Arabia point to a renewed escalation between the Houthis and Riyadh. Attacks on civilian aviation infrastructure raise safety concerns and could have wider regional implications given the involvement of Iran-backed forces.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Houthis say they attacked?
According to Al Jazeera and the BBC, the Houthis said they targeted Saudi Arabia's Abha airport.
Why do the Houthis say they carried out the strike?
The Houthis said the attack on Abha airport was in retaliation for a strike on Sanaa's international airport, which they blame on Saudi Arabia, according to Al Jazeera and the BBC.
Who are the Houthis?
The BBC describes the Houthis as an Iran-backed group in Yemen.
Timeline
- Yemen's Houthis launch missiles at Saudi Arabia after strikes on Sanaa airport
BBC World: The Iran-backed Houthis blame Saudi Arabia for the attack in Yemen's capital and say they targeted Abha airport in response.
- Houthis: Saudi airport targeted in retaliation for strikes on Sanaa airport
Al Jazeera: Yemen's Houthis say they struck Saudi Arabia's Abha airport in retaliation for a strike on Sanaa’s international airport